A Cross-Sectional Study on Assessing Association Between Chronic Low Back Ache and Vitamin-D Deficiency Among Female Population in India

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D is commonly referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" or "anti-ricket factor." Inadequate levels of vitamin D have been associated with various musculoskeletal issues such as fibromyalgia, arthralgia, and low back pain. Although a connection between low blood vitamin D levels and chronic low back pain has been suggested, conclusive evidence is still lacking. This study aimed to explore the potential link between chronic low back pain and vitamin D deficiency in the female population of India. Additionally, the research aimed to determine if there was a correlation between the severity of chronic low back pain, as assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and blood levels of vitamin D.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at R. L. Jalappa Hospital in Kolar from December 2019 to June 2021, utilizing a convenient sampling technique. Female patients aged 18 and above, experiencing chronic low back pain lasting more than 12 weeks without radiculopathy, and seeking treatment at the outpatient department were included. Data collected included age, location, marital status, occupation, body mass index (BMI), VAS score, and vitamin D levels. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Pearson’s correlation test was employed to evaluate the relationship between quantitative risk factors and vitamin D levels. Similarly, the Chi-square test was used to examine the association between categorical risk factors and chronic low back pain.

Results: The study encompassed 40 participants with a mean age of 39.43 years. Statistically significant associations were observed between experiencing severe low back pain and residing in urban areas (P < 0.0001), having a professional or semi-professional occupation (P < 0.0001), possessing a diploma or graduate degree (P < 0.0001), and being classified as vitamin D deficient (P = 0.007). The study revealed that age (p = 0.032) and vitamin D levels (p < 0.0001) exhibited a negative correlation with the VAS score.

Conclusion: The study highlighted a notable prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the participants, particularly among those residing in urban areas. Educated individuals and professionals who spend significant time indoors were identified as having a high-risk for developing low backache.